Rail anchor applying machine

ABSTRACT

A rail anchor applying machine having an independently movable transfer holder for transferring rail anchors to an applicator assembly which applies the rail anchors to the base of a rail against the sides of a crosstie while a toggle assembly applies a reaction force to the machine&#39;&#39;s frame which is transmitted through the wheels of the machine to the rail to insure that the alignment of the rails is not disturbed by application of the anchors to the rail. The separate transfer holder is loaded by the operation during application of the anchors and transfers anchors to the applicator assembly during indexing of the machine.

United States Patent [191 Izdebski July 17, 1973 RAIL ANCHOR APPLYING MACHINE Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-Richard A. Bertsch b k L d t M h. [75} Inventor Simon s [we 8 u mg on Attorney-Wolfe, Hubbard, Leydlg, Volt & Osann [73] Assignee: Jackson Vibrators lnc., Ludington,

57 ABSTRACT [22] Filed: 1971 A rail anchor applying machine having an indepen- [21] Appl. No.: 170,128 dently movable transfer holder for transferring rail anchors to an applicator assembly which applies the rail 52 U.S. Cl 104/17 A the base Of a 'l the of a cross tie while a toggle assembly applies a reaction force to [51] Int. Cl E0lb 29/32 [58] Field of Search 104,17 A 17 the machine s frame which is transmitted through the wheels of the machine to the rail to insure that the alignment of the rails is not disturbed by application of [56] References Clted the anchors to the rail. The separate transfer holder is UNITED STATES PATENTS loaded by the operation during application of the an- 3,438,335 4/1969 Mcllrath 104/17 A chmand transfers anchors to the applicator assembly 3,121,400 2/1964 Giebel et al. 104/17 A during indexing f the machine 3,585,936 6/1971 Fester et al. 104/17 A 6 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures 1 RAIL ANCHOR APPLYING MACHINE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to railroad track maintenance apparatus and more particularly concerns a machine for applying rail anchors to rails.

During the life of a railroad track, forces resulting from such sources as acceleration and deceleration of the trains operating on the track and thermal expansion and contraction of the rails themselves tend to cause the rails to move longitudinally. It is the purpose of rail anchors to eliminate this longitudinal movement of the rails.

Rail anchors are typically applied to the base of a rail in abutment with the sides of the crossties. This is commonly accomplished by a rail anchor applying machine which rides along the track, stops over selected crossties, and applies the rail anchors to the rails against the sides of the selected crossties. The most common type of rail anchor applying machine is one which requires that the rail anchors be manually pre-positioned loosely on the base of the rail; the machine then either strikes the rail anchor causing it to snap tightly onto the base of the rail or grasps the rail anchor in a slow continuous motion pushing the anchor tightly onto the rails base. A second type of rail anchor applying machine eliminates the need of manually pre-positioning the rail anchor on the base of the rail. It has a workhead upon which the operator places a rail anchor and which carries the rail anchor to the rail and forces it tightly onto the base of the rail in the proper position. After an anchor has been applied to the rail, the machine moves to the next position where it stops and remains idle while the operator again loads a rail anchor onto the workhead for application to the rail.

The first type of rail anchor applying machine hasthe disadvantage that it requires two men to apply the rail anchors to the rails. A first man pre-positions the rail anchors on the rails and the second man operates the applying machine; this is obviously an inefficient and expensive manner of applying anchors to rails. Although the second common type of machine requires only one man to operate it, it is also inefficient and time-consuming in its operation. The machine remains totally inactive after it has stopped over a selected crosstie to apply an anchor to the rail while the operator loads the anchor on the applicator workhead. This loss of productive work time is signficant when considered over a period of several hours of operation of the rail anchor applying machine.

Accordingly, it is the primary aim of the invention to provide an improved rail anchor applying that operates rapidly under one man control. In more detail, it is an object of the invention to provide a machine of the above kind which efficiently performs normally sequential functions simultaneously so that a single operator can achieve a high work output.

Another object is to provide a machine as characterized above which functions reliably without disturbing track alignment, despite the high anchor applying forces involved.

A further object is to provide a machine of the above character which can be easily adapted for applying anchors of differing sizes and types to rails of differing weight," i.e., size.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description and upon reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a rail anchor applying machine embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged section taken approximately along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1 with severalparts removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation, partially in section, of a portion of the rail anchor applying machine shown in FIG. 1 showing the head assembly in its travel-transfer position and the movement of the independently movable transfer assembly with several parts removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but showing the head assembly in its applying position holding a rail anchor loosely on the base of a rail;

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 3 but showing the head assembly in its terminal position holding a rail anchor securely on the base of a rail and the toggle assembly in its locked position applying a reaction force to the frame;

FIG. 6 isan enlarged front elevation of the rail anchor applying machine shown in FIG. 1 with the applicators aligned with the base of a rail with several parts removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevation of the rail anchor applying machine as in FIG. 6 with the applicators boxed against a crosstie with several additional parts removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 8is a section of the wheel shown in FIG. 7- taken approximately along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the hydraulic control circuit utilized in the rail anchor applying the machine of FIG. 1.

While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will beunderstood that I do not intend to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, I intend to cover all altematives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Turning now to the drawings, there is shown a rail anchor applying machine 10 embodying the invention and adapted for movement down a track comprising a pair of rails 11 mounted on crossties 12. The machine 10 functions to apply rail anchors .A to the undersides of the rails 11 against the sides of the ties 12.

In overall arrangement, the machine 10 includes a frame 13 mounted on flanged wheels 14 and 15 and carrying an operators seat 16, a power plant 17, a control box 18, a compartment 19 enclosing a hydraulic fluid reservoir and the like, and a head assembly 20 for applying the anchors A. The head assembly 20 com priss a double plate center-core 21 supporting a pair of slide rods 22 on which a pair of slidable frames 23 and 24 ride. A pair of applicators 25 and 26 are movably mounted on the head assembly 20 by being pivoted on the respective frames 23, 24 about an axis 27. The entire head assembly is supported by a linkage including arms 28 pivoted at 29 on a bracket 31 secured to the frame 13.

The head assembly 20 moves between an applying position (FIG. 4) and a travel-transfer position (FIG. 3) under the power of an actuator 32 connected between the frame 13 and the rear end of the arms 28. Preferably, a link 33 couples the bracket 31 and a flange plate 34 pivoted on a shaft 37, which also pivotally connects the assembly 20 with the arms 28, so that there is created a parallelogram linkage serving to keep the head assembly in substantially the same horizontal relation as it moves between its alternate positions. The head assembly is coupled to the flange plate by a positioning actuator 38 which, together with the actuator 32, completes movement of the assembly 20 from the traveltransfer position to the FIG. 4 applying position.

The applicators are moved toward one another, so as to box rail anchors A on either side of a tie, by an actuator 41 extending through the core 21 and interconnecting the frames 23, 24; compare FIGS. 6 and 7.

The applicators 25, 26 are operated to force anchors A into place by power devices in the form of relatively large diameter actuators 42 coupling the frames 23, 24 of the head assembly and the respective applicators. Once the head assembly is in applying position, extending the actuators 42 snaps the anchors into position; see FIGS. 4 and 5.

In carrying out the invention, the anchor applying forces are balanced by reaction members 45 pivoted at 46 on the respective frames 23, 24 of the head assembly 20. The members 45 include rolls 47 adapted to engage the edge of a plate 48 forming part of the frame 13 (see FIG. 4). Toggle linkages 49 and actuators 51 position the reaction members 45 and, when the linkages 49 are straightened, the rolls 47 snugly engage the plate 48. The flanged wheels 14 on that side of the frame 13 are positioned close together, are of somewhat smaller diameter than the more standard wheels 15, are mounted on sturdy axles 52 (see FIG. 8), and are fitted with thrust bearings 53 so that substantial forces can be passed from the frame 13 to the underlying rail 11. As best seen in FIG. 5, a strong, compact group of elements therfore react against the anchor applying forces to avoid disturbing rail alignment as the anchor A is snapped into position.

Preferably, movement of the head assembly 20 to applying position is limited by adjustable stops 54 which engage wing plates 55 on the arms 28. Movement of the applicators 25, 26 toward the rail 11 when applying anchors A is limited by adjustable stops 56 located between the frames 23, 24 and the applicators 25, 26.

Pursuant to the invention, an anchor transfer holder 60 is mounted on a linkage comprising rods 61 for movement between a loading position (FIG. 2) and a transfer position (FIG. 3 solid lines) whereat anchors A are transferred from the holder 60 to the applicators 25, 26. The holder 60 includes a pair of pockets 62, only one of whcih is illustrated, each shaped to receive an anchor A, and the rods 61 are pivoted on the arms 28 and the holder 60 so as to define a parallelogram linkage keeping the holder 60 level in its movement between its alternate positions. The rods 61 are adjustable in length and, because they are pivoted on the arms 28, alignment of the holder 60 and the applicators 25, 26 can be closely adjusted. The holder 60 is shifted between its alternate positions by an actuator 63.

In operation, the operator of the machine positions two anchors A in the pockets 62 of the holder 60 in the position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3. When the actuator 63 shifts the holder 60 to the solid line, transfer position, illustrated in FIG. 3, the anchors A are seated into grooves 65 (see FIG. 2) formed in the operating faces of the respective applicators 25, 26. Fingers 66 pivoted at 67 on the respective applicators 25, 26 are biased by springs 68 so as to grip the anchors A when the holder 60 swings away from the head as sembly 20, and thus the applicators retain the anchors for movement to applying position of the head assembly, shown in FIG. 4.

The entire machine 10 is driven along the tracks by a fluid motor 70 (see FIG. 9) whcih drives chains 71 which power the wheels 15 (see FIG. 2).

The invention is carried out by coordinating the movement of the various parts. While the machine 10 is being indexed along the track to the next tie under the power of the motor 70, the anchor transfer holder 60 positions two anchors A in the respective applicators 25, 26. After the operator positions the head assembly 20 over one of the ties 12, he initiates the applying cycle and, while this is going on, loads two more anchors A in the transfer holder 60 which has returned to its FIG. 2 loading position. Thus, rapid and continuous operation is achieved.

An illustrative control circuit, shown in FIG. 9, includes a pump 75 driven by the power plant 17 (see also FIG. 1) for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the system from a resevoir 76. Fluid under pressure enters the system through one-way valve 77 past a spring biased overload valve 78 and a dump valve 79 which the operator of the machine 10, upon manipulation of one of a set of pushbuttons 80 (see FIG. 1) can actuate to dump the output of the pump 75 in the event of some emergency or malfunction.

With the parts in the positions schematically illustrated in FIG. 9, the anchor transfer holder 60 is in its load position, and is held in that position by fluid passing through a line 81 and past an unenergized, twoposition valve 82 to the actuator 63. The head assembly 20 is in its travel-transfer position with the reaction member actuators 51 held extended by fluid entering a line 83 through an unenergized, two-position valve 84. The power device actuators 42 are held retracted by fluid also being supplied from the line 83.

A three-position valve 85 is unenergized and thus in neutral position, locking fluid within the downstream portion of the total system. The positioning actuator 38 is held retracted by a pressure opening one-way valve 86 and, similarly, the head assembly actuator 32 is held retracted by a pressure opened one-way valve 87. The boxing actuator 41 is extended so that the frames 23, 24 are separated on the rods 22. Since there is no residual weight on the actuator 41, a locking valve is not required. I

With the parts starting in the position illustrated, the operator of the machine 10 can manipulate an appropriate one of the pushbuttons 80 to energize a threeway valve 88 so as to direct fluid under pressure from the-line 81 in one direction or the other to the drive motor 70, thus propelling the machine along the track in either direction. When the machine is properly positoned with the head assembly 20 over the selected tie 13, the operator, through an appropriate one of the pushbuttons 80, energizes the valve 85 so as to shift it to the left in FIG. 9 supplying fluid under pressure to a line 89. The fluid passes through a non-actuated, cam operated valve 90, whose operation will be referred to below, and travels via a line 91 to the actuator 32 and the valve 87. The pressure opens the valve 87 and the actuator 32 swings the head assembly 20 toward its applying position. Fluid is exhausted from the actuator 32 both through one'way valves 92 and 93 as well as through a line 94 and a cam actuated valve 95 which is then held in operated position by the applicators 25, 26 being in their fully retracted positions.

When the arms 28 are swung to their opposite limit positions, with the wing plates 55 abutting the adjustable stops 54, the cam actuated switch 90 is operated by one of the arms 28 and fluid from the line 89 is directed to a line 96 and the line 91 is shut off. Pressure in the line 96 operates the position actuator 38, that pressure also opening the valve 86, and, at the same time, fluid is supplied to the actuator 41 so that frames 23, 24 are moved together toward opposite sides of a tie 12 as the applicators are finally positioned by the actuator 38.

A buildup of pressure in the line 96, indicative of the applicators being urged against the sides of a tie, trips a pressure switch 97 which disengages the solenoid holding the three-way valve 85 to the left so that it re turns to its netural position and, also, energizing the solenoid that shifts the valve 84 to its alternate position. Returning the valve.85 to its netural position holds the parts in the positions they had assumed. Energizingthe valve 84 direct fluid through a line 98 so as to retract the reaction member actuators 51, thus straightening the toggle linkages 49 and moving the reaction member rolls 47 into locking engagement with the frame plate 48. A buildup of pressure in the line 98, indicative of the actuators 51 reaching their fully retracted positions with the reaction member rolls 47 in firm engagement with the frame plate 48, opens a pressure responsive valve 99 and directs fluid to the power device actuators 42 so as to extend these actuators andthus apply the pressure through the applicators 25, 26 thatsnaps the rail anchors A into place. After a pressure buildup in the line 98, indicative of the actuators 42 applying an appropriate anchor positioning force, a pressure responsive switch 100 is tripped which drops out the solenoid holding the valve 84 engaged and which energizes the solenoid moving the three way valve 85 to the right. With the valve 84 restored to its normal position, the actuators 42 begin to retract and the actuators 51 are extended, thus releasing both the reactionmember 45 and the applicators 25, 26 from their respective engaging parts. Movement of the valve 85 to the rightdirects fluid through a line 101 and past the cam actuated valve 95 which, at that point, is in non-actuated position since the applicators 25, 26 are not in their fully retracted position. Fluid thus passes to a line 102 and to the actuator 38 which lifts the applicators 25, 26 clear of the adjacent tie and rail. Fluid is exhausted from the actuator 38 through the line 96 and the cam actuated valve 90 which is then operated by the arms 28 being swung to carry the head assembly to its applying position.

As soon as the applicators25, 26 are returned to their retracted position, the cam operated valve 95 is again operated and fluid is directed via the line 94-so as to drive the actuators 32 and 41 to their illustrated positions. In the event that the actuator 38 had not reached its fully returned position when the valve 95 was operated, it can be noted that additional fluid may pass the one-way valve 92 at this point in the cycle to complete return movement of the actuator 38.

When the actuator32 is fully retracted so as to return the head assembly 20 to its travel-transferposition, there is a buildup of pressure that trips a pressure switch 105 which de-energizes the solenoid holding the three-way valve 85 to the right, so that it returns to its normal neutral position, and which also energizes, for a given time period, the solenoid controlling the twoway valve 82. Energizing the solenoid controlling the valve 82 directs fluid under pressure from the line 81 to aline 106 which drives the actuator63 so as to swing the anchor transfer holder 60 from its load position to its transfer position. in the manner previously described, this transfers the two anchors A which the operator has previously placed in the holder pockets 62 to the applicators 25, 26. At the completion of the brief time delay period, the solenoid for the valve 82 drops out and the valve returnsto its illustrated normal position, thus vdirecting fluid from the line 81 to the actuator 63 in a direction to return the holder to its load position. An adjustable restriction valve 107 limits the speed at which the holder moves in either direction so that the anchors are not transferred with excessive force and to minimize a potential safety hazard.

Those familiar with this art will appreciate that the machinelO may be readily modified to handle rail anchors of types different from the anchors A. Alternate applicators to receive different type shaped anchors can easily be pivoted at 27 in lieu of the applicators 25, 26 and, if necessary, the pockets 62 of the holder 60 can be correspondingly modified.

I claim as my invention:

1. A rail anchor applying machine comprising, in combination, a frame having flanged wheels adapted to travel along a railroad track having two rails and a plurality of crossties, a head assembly, linkage means mounted on said frame and supporting said head assembly for movement between an applying position adjacent one of said rails and a travel-transfer position above said rail, an applicator movably mounted on said head assembly and adapted to carry a rail anchor, a power device operatively coupling said head assembly and said applicator for forcing an anchor carried by said applicator into position on said rail when the head assembly is in said applying position, an anchor transfer holder, linkage means supporting said holder for movement between a loading position and an anchor transfer position to transer an anchor in said holder to said applicator when said head assembly is in its travel-transfer position, means for actuating said two linkage means so that said head assembly is in said applying position when said holder is in said loading position and said head assembly is in said travel-transfer position when said holder is in said anchor transfer position,'a reaction member shiftably carried on said head assembly, and means for moving said reaction member into locking engagement with said frame when said head assembly is in said applying position so as to provide a reaction point for the force exerted on said rail by said power device.

2. A rail anchor applying machine as in claim '1, wherein said means for moving said reaction member includes a toggle linkage which is straightened to transfer force when said reaction member is in locking engagement.

3. A rail anchor applying machine as in claim 1 wherein the flanged wheels on the side of said frame engaged by said reaction member are supported against endwise movement by thrust bearings so as to transfer lateral forces to the rail engaged by said wheels.

4. A rail anchor applying machine as in claim 1 further comprising a second applicator movably mounted on said head assembly and adapted to carry a rail anwherein said head assembly linkage means comprises a parallelogram linkage for supporting said head assembly so that said applicator is in a substantially horizontal position as said head assembly moves from its traveltransfer position to its applying position and said holder linkage means comprises a parallelogram linkage for supporting said holder in a substantially horizontal position as said holder moves from its loading position to its anchor transfer position. 

1. A rail anchor applying machine comprising, in combination, a frame having flanged wheels adapted to travel along a railroad track having two rails and a plurality of crossties, a head assembly, linkage means mounted on said frame and supporting said head assembly for movement between an applying position adjacent one of said rails and a travel-transfer position above said rail, an applicator movably mounted on said head assembly and adapted to carry a rail anchor, a power device operatively coupling said head assembly and said applicator for forcing an anchor carried by said applicator into position on said rail when the head assembly is in said applying position, an anchor transfer holder, linkage means supporting said holder for movement between a loading position and an anchor transfer position to transer an anchor in said holder to said applicator when said head assembly is in its travel-transfer position, means for actuating said two linkage means so that said head assembly is in said applying position when said holder is in said loading position and said head assembly is in said travel-transfer position when said holder is in said anchor transfer position, a reaction member shiftably carried on said head assembly, and means for moving said reaction member into locking engagement with said frame when said head assembly is in said applying position so as to provide a reaction point for the force exerted on said rail by said power device.
 2. A rail anchor applying machine as in claim 1, wherein said means for moving said reaction member includes a toggle linkage which is straightened to transfer force when said reaction member is in locking engagement.
 3. A rail anchor applying machine as in claim 1 wherein the flanged wheels on the side of said frame engaged by said reaction member are supported against endwise movement by thrust bearings so as to transfer lateral forces to the rail engaged by said wheels.
 4. A rail anchor applying machine as in claim 1 further comprising a second applicator movably mounted on said head assembly and adapted to carry a rail anchor, and means for moving said applicators toward one another when said head assembly is in said applying position so as to box a pair of anchors on opposite sides of a tie.
 5. A rail anchor applying member as in claim 1 further comprising a motor coupled to at least one of said flanged wheels for indexing the machine along the track while said holder is moving between said loading position and said anchor transfer position.
 6. A rail anchor applying machine as in claim 1 wherein said head assembly linkage means comprises a parallelogram linkage for supporting said head assembly so that said applicator is in a substantially horizontal position as said head assembly moves from its travel-transfer position to its applying position and said holder linkage means comprises a parallelogram linkage for supporting said holder in a substantially horizontal position as said holder moves from its loading position to its anchor transfer position. 